Lord Hastings. 'Tis better using France than trusting France:
Let us be back'd with God and with the seas
Which He hath given for fence impregnable,
And with their helps only defend ourselves;
2020In them and in ourselves our safety lies.

Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). And yet methinks your grace hath not done well,
To give the heir and daughter of Lord Scales
Unto the brother of your loving bride;
She better would have fitted me or Clarence:
But in your bride you bury brotherhood.
2030

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). In choosing for yourself, you show'd your judgment,
Which being shallow, you give me leave
To play the broker in mine own behalf;
And to that end I shortly mind to leave you.

Queen Elizabeth. My lords, before it pleased his majesty
To raise my state to title of a queen,
Do me but right, and you must all confess
That I was not ignoble of descent;
2045And meaner than myself have had like fortune.
But as this title honours me and mine,
So your dislike, to whom I would be pleasing,
Doth cloud my joys with danger and with sorrow.

King Edward IV (Plantagenet). My love, forbear to fawn upon their frowns:
2050What danger or what sorrow can befall thee,
So long as Edward is thy constant friend,
And their true sovereign, whom they must obey?
Nay, whom they shall obey, and love thee too,
Unless they seek for hatred at my hands;
2055Which if they do, yet will I keep thee safe,
And they shall feel the vengeance of my wrath.

Post. He, more incensed against your majesty
Than all the rest, discharged me with these words:
2085'Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long.'

King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Ha! durst the traitor breathe out so proud words?
Well I will arm me, being thus forewarn'd:
They shall have wars and pay for their presumption.
2090But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret?

Post. Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so link'd in
friendship
That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter.

George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). Belike the elder; Clarence will have the younger.
2095Now, brother king, farewell, and sit you fast,
For I will hence to Warwick's other daughter;
That, though I want a kingdom, yet in marriage
I may not prove inferior to yourself.
You that love me and Warwick, follow me.
2100

King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick!
2105Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen;
And haste is needful in this desperate case.
Pembroke and Stafford, you in our behalf
Go levy men, and make prepare for war;
They are already, or quickly will be landed:
2110Myself in person will straight follow you.
[Exeunt PEMBROKE and STAFFORD]But, ere I go, Hastings and Montague,
Resolve my doubt. You twain, of all the rest,
Are near to Warwick by blood and by alliance:
2115Tell me if you love Warwick more than me?
If it be so, then both depart to him;
I rather wish you foes than hollow friends:
But if you mind to hold your true obedience,
Give me assurance with some friendly vow,
2120That I may never have you in suspect.